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Veroux M, Scollo P, Giambra MM, Roscitano G, Giaquinta A, Setacci F, Veroux P. Living-Donor Uterus Transplantation: A Clinical Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:775. [PMID: 38337468 PMCID: PMC10856556 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterus transplantation (UTx) is currently the only available treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. More than 90 uterus transplantations have been performed worldwide, mostly from living donors. Living-donor (LD) UTx is a challenging surgical procedure since it poses ethical issues, and it is a high-risk and invasive surgery with higher hysterectomy-related risks compared to conventional hysterectomy. A total of 59 living-donor hysterectomies have been reported in the literature, including 35 performed with a laparotomic approach, 20 with a robotic approach and 4 with a laparoscopic approach. The mean donor age was 45.6 ± 9.1 years, and 22 were unrelated with the recipients, 34 were emotionally related (27 mothers, 5 sisters, 2 mother's sisters). The mean recipient age was 28.8 ± 4.5 years. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome was the most common indication for uterus transplant. Robotic living-donor hysterectomy had the longest operative time but resulted in a lower blood loss and postoperative stay compared to laparotomic and laparoscopic approaches. Twenty-nine births from LD-UTx have been reported, four after robotic living-donor hysterectomy and twenty-five after a laparotomic procedure. UTx is now an effective treatment for women with UFI. While living-donor UTx in some cases may be considered an experimental procedure, it offers the extraordinary possibility to give women the opportunity to have a pregnancy. Many efforts should be made to reduce the potential risks for donors, including the use of mini-invasive techniques, and the efficacy of UTx in the recipients, giving the potential harm of immunosuppression in a recipient of a non-life-saving organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Veroux
- Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.G.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (F.S.); (P.V.)
| | - Paolo Scollo
- Maternal and Child Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Martina Maria Giambra
- Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.G.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (F.S.); (P.V.)
| | - Giuseppe Roscitano
- Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.G.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (F.S.); (P.V.)
| | - Alessia Giaquinta
- Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.G.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (F.S.); (P.V.)
| | - Francesco Setacci
- Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.G.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (F.S.); (P.V.)
| | - Pierfrancesco Veroux
- Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.G.); (G.R.); (A.G.); (F.S.); (P.V.)
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2
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Brännström M, Racowsky C, Carbonnel M, Wu J, Gargiulo A, Adashi EY, Ayoubi JM. Uterus transplantation: from research, through human trials and into the future. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:521-544. [PMID: 37328434 PMCID: PMC10477946 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Women suffering from absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI) had no hope of childbearing until clinical feasibility of uterus transplantation (UTx) was documented in 2014 with the birth of a healthy baby. This landmark accomplishment followed extensive foundational work with a wide range of animal species including higher primates. In the present review, we provide a summary of the animal research and describe the results of cases and clinical trials on UTx. Surgical advances for graft removal from live donors and transplantation to recipients are improving, with a recent trend away from laparotomy to robotic approaches, although challenges persist regarding optimum immunosuppressive therapies and tests for graft rejection. Because UTx does not involve transplantation of the Fallopian tubes, IVF is required as part of the UTx process. We provide a unique focus on the intersection between these two processes, with consideration of when oocyte retrieval should be performed, whether, and for whom, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy should be used, whether oocytes or embryos should be frozen and when the first embryo transfer should be performed post-UTx. We also address the utility of an international society UTx (ISUTx) registry for assessing overall UTx success rates, complications, and live births. The long-term health outcomes of all parties involved-the uterus donor (if live donor), the recipient, her partner and any children born from the transplanted graft-are also reviewed. Unlike traditional solid organ transplantation procedures, UTx is not lifesaving, but is life-giving, although as with traditional types of transplantation, costs, and ethical considerations are inevitable. We discuss the likelihood that costs will decrease as efficiency and efficacy improve, and that ethical complexities for and against acceptability of the procedure sharpen the distinctions between genetic, gestational, and social parenthood. As more programs wish to offer the procedure, we suggest a scheme for setting up a UTx program as well as future directions of this rapidly evolving field. In our 2010 review, we described the future of clinical UTx based on development of the procedure in animal models. This Grand Theme Review offers a closing loop to this previous review of more than a decade ago. The clinical feasibility of UTx has now been proved. Advancements include widening the criteria for acceptance of donors and recipients, improving surgery, shortening time to pregnancy, and improving post-UTx management. Together, these improvements catalyze the transition of UTx from experimental into mainstream clinical practice. The procedure will then represent a realistic and accessible alternative to gestational surrogacy for the treatment of AUFI and should become part of the armamentarium of reproductive specialists worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Stockholm IVF-EUGIN, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Foch, Suresnes, France
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marie Carbonnel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Foch, Suresnes, France
- University Versailles, Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, France
| | - Joseph Wu
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Antonio Gargiulo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eli Y Adashi
- Department of Medical Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Foch, Suresnes, France
- University Versailles, Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, France
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3
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Pérez-Blanco A, Seoane JA, Pallás TA, Nieto-Moro M, Calonge RN, de la Fuente A, Martin DE. Uterus Transplantation as a Surgical Innovation. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:367-378. [PMID: 37382845 PMCID: PMC10624705 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Uterus transplantation (UTx) research has been introduced in several countries, with trials in Sweden and the United States producing successful outcomes. The growing interest in developing UTx trials in other countries, such as Spain, the Netherlands, Japan, and Australia, raises important questions regarding the ethics of surgical innovation research in the field of UTx. This paper examines the current state of UTx in the context of the surgical innovation paradigm and IDEAL framework and discusses the ethical challenges faced by those considering the introduction of new trials. We argue that UTx remains an experimental procedure at a relatively early stage of the IDEAL framework, especially in the context of de novo trials, where protocols are likely to deviate from those used previously and where researchers are likely to have limited experience of UTx. We conclude that countries considering the introduction of UTx trials should build on the strengths of the reported outcomes to consolidate the evidence base and shed light on the uncertainties of the procedure. Authorities responsible for the ethical governance of UTx trials are advised to draw on the ethical framework used in the oversight of surgical innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José-Antonio Seoane
- Philosophy, Constitution and Rationality Research Group, Faculty of Law, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | | | - Montserrat Nieto-Moro
- Paediatric Critical Care Unit, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Dominique E Martin
- Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
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4
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Ayoubi JM, Carbonnel M, Racowsky C, de Ziegler D, Gargiulo A, Kvarnström N, Dahm-Kähler P, Brännström M. Evolving clinical challenges in uterus transplantation. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:947-960. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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5
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Dorafshar AH, Hamidian Jahromi A, Horen SR, Schechter LS, Johannesson L, Testa G, Hertl M, Dewdney S, Aschkenasy J, Wood-Molo M, Brincat C, Cherullo E, Behel JM, Hebert C, Shulman R, Bassi S, Alecci AT, Konety B. Strategic Planning and Essential Steps for Establishing a Uterine Transplant and Rehabilitation Program: From Idea to Reality. Ann Surg 2022; 276:74-80. [PMID: 34793341 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
UTx is performed to address absolute uterine infertility in the presence of uterine agenesis, a nonfunctional uterus, or after a prior hysterectomy. After the initial success of UTx resulting in a livebirth (2014) in Sweden, there are over 70 reported UTx surgeries resulting in more than 40 livebirths worldwide. Currently, UTx has been performed in over 10 countries. As UTx is transitioning from an "experimental procedure" to a clinical option, an increasing number of centers may contemplate a UTx program. This article discusses essential steps for establishment of a successful UTx program. These principles may be implemented in cis- and transgender UTx candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir H Dorafshar
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Sydney R Horen
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Loren S Schechter
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
- The Center for Gender Confirmation Surgery, Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL
| | - Liza Johannesson
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Giuliano Testa
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Martin Hertl
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Summer Dewdney
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Mary Wood-Molo
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Cynthia Brincat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Edward Cherullo
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Jay M Behel
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
- Rush Center for Gender, Sexuality & Reproductive Health, Chicago, IL
| | - Charles Hebert
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Robert Shulman
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Shruti Bassi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Badrinath Konety
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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6
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Polk H, Johannesson L, Testa G, Wall AE. The Future of Uterus Transplantation: Cost, Regulations, and Outcomes. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 65:101-107. [PMID: 35045031 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Uterus transplantation (UTx) has evolved rapidly since technical success was first demonstrated, and is now practiced worldwide, using both living and deceased donors. As UTx transitions from an experimental to widely available standard clinical procedure, new challenges and questions are becoming more urgent. These include issues of cost and coverage, the establishment of guidelines and registries to ensure quality of care and monitor outcomes, regulatory oversight (including for the allocation organs from deceased donors), and the extent to which indications for UTx should be expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liza Johannesson
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Giuliano Testa
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Anji E Wall
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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8
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Hamidian Jahromi A, Horen SR, Wall A, Johannesson L. Proposing a Novel Organ Allocating System for Uterus Transplantation: Implications and Issues. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2021; 19:1241-1243. [PMID: 34546159 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2021.0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Hamidian Jahromi
- From the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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9
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Escandón JM, Bustos VP, Santamaría E, Langstein HN, Ciudad P, Hernandez-Alejandro R, Moore RG, Leckenby JI, Manrique OJ. Evolution and Transformation of Uterine Transplantation: A Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques and Outcomes. J Reconstr Microsurg 2021; 38:429-440. [PMID: 34535036 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine transplantation (UTx) is acknowledged to be on the second (2A) of five steps of development in accordance with the staging system for the evaluation of surgical innovations. Accordingly, we aimed to systematically review the available evidence of the surgical techniques and outcomes of UTx in terms of graft survival. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed Medline, Cochrane-EBMR, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL through November 2020. RESULTS Forty studies, reporting 64 recipients and 64 donors, satisfied inclusion criteria. The surgical time and the estimated blood loss were 515 minutes and 679 mL for graft procurement via laparotomy, 210 minutes and 100 mL for laparoscopic-assisted graft harvest, and 660 minutes and 173 mL for robotic-assisted procedures, respectively. Urinary tract infections (n = 8) and injury to the urinary system (n = 6) were the most common donor complications. Using the donor's internal iliac system, two arterial anastomoses were performed in all cases. Venous outflow was accomplished through the uterine veins (UVs) in 13 cases, a combination of the UVs and the ovarian/uteroovarian veins (OVs/UOVs) in 36 cases, and solely through the OVs/UOVs in 13 cases. Ischemia time was 161 and 258 minutes when using living donors (LD) and deceased donors (DD), respectively. Forty-eight uteri were successfully transplanted or fulfilled the purpose of transplantation, 41 from LDs and 7 from DDs. Twenty-five and four live childbirths from LDs and DDs have been reported, respectively. CONCLUSION UTx is still experimental. Further series are required to recommend specific surgical techniques that best yield a successful transplant and reduce complications for donors and recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Escandón
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York
| | - Valeria P Bustos
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric Santamaría
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez, National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Howard N Langstein
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York
| | - Pedro Ciudad
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital, Lima, Peru
| | - Roberto Hernandez-Alejandro
- Department of Surgery and Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York
| | - Richard G Moore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York
| | - Jonathan I Leckenby
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York
| | - Oscar J Manrique
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York
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10
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Richards EG, Farrell RM, Ricci S, Perni U, Quintini C, Tzakis A, Falcone T. Uterus transplantation: state of the art in 2021. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2251-2259. [PMID: 34057644 PMCID: PMC8490545 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02245-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a comprehensive review of uterus transplantation in 2021, including a discussion of pregnancy outcomes of all reported births to date, the donor and recipient selection process, the organ procurement and transplant surgeries, reported complications, postoperative monitoring, preimplantation preparation, and ethical considerations. METHODS Literature review and expert commentary. RESULTS Reports of thirty-one live births following uterus transplantation have been published from both living and deceased donors. The proper selection of donors and recipients is a labor-intensive process that requires advanced planning. A multidisciplinary team is critical. Reported complications in the recipient include thrombosis, infection, vaginal stricture, antenatal complications, and graft failure. Graft rejection is a common occurrence but rarely leads to graft removal. While most embryo transfers are successful, recurrent implantation failures in uterus transplant patients have been reported. Rates of preterm delivery are high but appear to be declining; more data, including long-term outcome data, is needed. CONCLUSIONS Uterus transplantation is an emerging therapy for absolute uterine factor infertility, a condition previously without direct treatment options. It is paramount that reproductive health care providers are familiar with the uterus transplantation process as more patients seek and receive this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott G Richards
- Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Desk A-81, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Ruth M Farrell
- Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Desk A-81, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Stephanie Ricci
- Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Desk A-81, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Uma Perni
- Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Desk A-81, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Cristiano Quintini
- Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andreas Tzakis
- Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tommaso Falcone
- Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Desk A-81, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a comprehensive review of uterus transplantation in 2021, including a discussion of pregnancy outcomes of all reported births to date, the donor and recipient selection process, the organ procurement and transplant surgeries, reported complications, postoperative monitoring, preimplantation preparation, and ethical considerations. METHODS Literature review and expert commentary. RESULTS Reports of thirty-one live births following uterus transplantation have been published from both living and deceased donors. The proper selection of donors and recipients is a labor-intensive process that requires advanced planning. A multidisciplinary team is critical. Reported complications in the recipient include thrombosis, infection, vaginal stricture, antenatal complications, and graft failure. Graft rejection is a common occurrence but rarely leads to graft removal. While most embryo transfers are successful, recurrent implantation failures in uterus transplant patients have been reported. Rates of preterm delivery are high but appear to be declining; more data, including long-term outcome data, is needed. CONCLUSIONS Uterus transplantation is an emerging therapy for absolute uterine factor infertility, a condition previously without direct treatment options. It is paramount that reproductive health care providers are familiar with the uterus transplantation process as more patients seek and receive this treatment.
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12
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Comment on: "The Evolution of Transplantation From Saving Lives to Fertility Treatment, Annals of Surgery (Dallas UtErus Transplant Study), Testa, Giuliano; McKenna, Greg J.; Bayer, Johanna et al.Ann Surg. 2020 Sept; 272(3): 411-417" and related commentary. Ann Surg 2021; 274:e868. [PMID: 33443895 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000004747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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13
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Kisu I, Emoto K, Masugi Y, Yamada Y, Matsubara K, Obara H, Matoba Y, Banno K, Kato Y, Saiki Y, Itagaki I, Kawamoto I, Iwatani C, Murase M, Nakagawa T, Tsuchiya H, Ishigaki H, Urano H, Ema M, Ogasawara K, Aoki D, Nakagawa K, Shiina T. Clinical features of irreversible rejection after allogeneic uterus transplantation in cynomolgus macaques. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13910. [PMID: 32807830 PMCID: PMC7431528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70914-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterus transplantation (UTx) is a potential option for women with uterine factor infertility to have a child. The clinical features indicating irreversible rejection of the uterus are unknown. In our experimental series of allogeneic UTx in cynomolgus macaques, six female macaques were retrospectively examined, which were unresponsive to treatment with immunosuppressants (i.e. irreversible rejection). Clinical features including general condition, hematology, uterine size, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging by laparotomy, and histopathological findings of the removed uterus were evaluated. In all cases, general condition was good at the time of diagnosis of irreversible rejection and thereafter. Laboratory evaluation showed temporary increases in white blood cells, lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein, then these levels tended to decrease gradually. In transabdominal ultrasonography, the uterus showed time-dependent shrinkage after transient swelling at the time of diagnosis of irreversible rejection. In laparotomy, a whitish transplanted uterus was observed and enhancement of the transplanted uterus was absent in ICG fluorescence imaging. Histopathological findings in each removed uterus showed hyalinized fibrosis, endometrial deficit, lymphocytic infiltration and vasculitis. These findings suggest that uterine transplantation rejection is not fatal, in contrast to rejection of life-supporting organs. Since the transplanted uterus with irreversible rejection atrophies naturally, hysterectomy may be unnecessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iori Kisu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 1608582, Japan.
| | - Katsura Emoto
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 1608582, Japan
| | - Yohei Masugi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 1608582, Japan
| | - Yohei Yamada
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 1608582, Japan
| | - Kentaro Matsubara
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 1608582, Japan
| | - Hideaki Obara
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 1608582, Japan
| | - Yusuke Matoba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 1608582, Japan
| | - Kouji Banno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 1608582, Japan
| | - Yojiro Kato
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological and General Surgery, School of Medicine, Showa University, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 1428666, Japan
| | - Yoko Saiki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Saiseikai Kanagawaken Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 2210821, Japan
| | - Iori Itagaki
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ōtsu, Shiga, 5202192, Japan.,The Corporation for Production and Research of Laboratory Primates, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 3050003, Japan
| | - Ikuo Kawamoto
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ōtsu, Shiga, 5202192, Japan
| | - Chizuru Iwatani
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ōtsu, Shiga, 5202192, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Murase
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ōtsu, Shiga, 5202192, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakagawa
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ōtsu, Shiga, 5202192, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tsuchiya
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ōtsu, Shiga, 5202192, Japan
| | - Hirohito Ishigaki
- Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ōtsu, Shiga, 5202192, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Urano
- Safety Research Center, Ina Research Inc., Ina, Nagano, 3994501, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Ema
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ōtsu, Shiga, 5202192, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Ogasawara
- Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ōtsu, Shiga, 5202192, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ōtsu, Shiga, 5202192, Japan
| | - Daisuke Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 1608582, Japan
| | - Kenshi Nakagawa
- Safety Research Center, Ina Research Inc., Ina, Nagano, 3994501, Japan
| | - Takashi Shiina
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, 2591193, Japan
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14
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Falcone T, Richards EG. Balancing innovation and safety: robotic-assisted donor surgery in uterus transplantation. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:976-977. [PMID: 32782155 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Falcone
- Cleveland Clinic London, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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Carbonnel M, Revaux A, Menzhulina E, Karpel L, Snanoudj R, Le Guen M, De Ziegler D, Ayoubi JM. Uterus Transplantation with Live Donors: Screening Candidates in One French Center. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2001. [PMID: 32630524 PMCID: PMC7356518 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9062001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report our experience regarding the profile and screening process of potential recipients (R) and their live donors (D) in our Uterus transplantation (UTx) trial from 2014 to 2020. The initial screening was performed using medical questionnaires and consultations. The second step of the screening consisted of two individual interviews with an independent multidisciplinary committee. Then, a complete medical, biological and imaging assessment of the directed living D, the R, and her partner was performed over a two-day hospitalization. A total of 239 women contacted our department: 165 potentials R and 74 potentials D. During the first step of screening, 141 R and 45 D were excluded. Only 12 R/D pairs were pursued. During inclusion, 10 R/D pairs were excluded. One R/D pair is still under evaluation. Finally, only 1 R/D pair was definitively included (0.6%), which led us to perform the first French UTx in March 2019 with a successful graft. The primary limiting factors of inclusion were due to very strict criteria and difficulty of having a suitable directed living D. The International Society of UTx (ISUTx) guidelines based on worldwide results of trials can help ease our inclusion criteria in the future while remaining safe for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Carbonnel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Foch, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 55, avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France; (A.R.); (E.M.); (L.K.); (D.D.Z.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Aurelie Revaux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Foch, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 55, avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France; (A.R.); (E.M.); (L.K.); (D.D.Z.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Elena Menzhulina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Foch, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 55, avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France; (A.R.); (E.M.); (L.K.); (D.D.Z.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Lea Karpel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Foch, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 55, avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France; (A.R.); (E.M.); (L.K.); (D.D.Z.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Renaud Snanoudj
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 55, avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France;
| | - Morgan Le Guen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital Foch, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 55, avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France;
| | - Dominique De Ziegler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Foch, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 55, avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France; (A.R.); (E.M.); (L.K.); (D.D.Z.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Foch, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 55, avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France; (A.R.); (E.M.); (L.K.); (D.D.Z.); (J.M.A.)
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